Rep. Eric Bell Introduces Resolution Urging the Renaming of Grady Memorial Hospital in Honor of Dr. Roy Charles Bell, Sr.

ATLANTA - State Representative Eric Bell (D-Jonesboro) recently introduced House Resolution 1797, which urges the renaming of Grady Memorial Hospital to Grady-Bell Memorial Hospital. He issued the following statement regarding the resolution:

"As the state representative for District 75, I am proud to announce the introduction of House Resolution 1797, legislation to rename Grady Memorial Hospital as Grady-Bell Memorial Hospital, in honor of Dr. Roy Charles Bell Sr.-a trailblazing dentist and civil rights leader who helped desegregate healthcare in Georgia.

"Through HR 1797, I seek to align one of Georgia's most prominent public hospitals with the values of equity, justice and inclusion by recognizing a man whose work expanded access to care for all people.

"Dr. Roy Charles Bell, Sr. represents the very best of Georgia-courage, conviction and a commitment to justice. At a time when barriers were enforced by law and custom, he stood up and fought to ensure that Black patients could receive care in institutions that denied them dignity. His legacy deserves to be permanently recognized.

"The hospital is currently named after Henry Grady; a 19^th century journalist whose legacy includes documented advocacy for white supremacist ideals and opposition to racial equality. I believe that honoring such a figure stands in direct contradiction to the mission of a public hospital that serves a diverse population.

"History matters. Henry Grady's views were not just reflective of his time-they were actively harmful. The reality is, he would have turned in his grave to see Black people and people of color receiving care in a hospital bearing his name. That contradiction cannot be ignored.

"Dr. Bell's legacy is deeply rooted in advancing civil rights through healthcare. In 1962, he led the landmark case Bell v. Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority, which forced the desegregation of Grady Memorial Hospital and set a precedent for ending segregation in public hospitals across the South. His efforts ensured that access to care could no longer be denied based on race.

"Beyond the courtroom, Dr. Bell took bold, direct action against segregation. During the Peyton Road Affair-often referred to as "Atlanta's Berlin Wall"-he drove his yellow Cadillac through the physical barrier that divided Black and white communities, sending a powerful message that injustice would not stand.

"HR 1797 builds on a growing national movement to reevaluate public symbols and institutions so they reflect our shared values. Renaming the hospital to Grady-Bell Memorial Hospital preserves its historic identity, while uplifting a figure whose contributions embody progress and justice.

"This is not about erasing history-it's about telling the full story. By adding Dr. Bell's name, we acknowledge the struggle it took to make Grady a place for everyone, and we honor the man who helped make that possible.

"The resolution has been introduced this legislative session, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and the community to move this effort forward."

The full text of HR 1797 may be found here.

Representative Eric Bell represents the citizens of District 75, which includes a portion of Clayton County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2023 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging and Small Business Development committees.

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